Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bonespe

Bonespe is bakery, a Lotte trade that is in almost all of the Lotte Department stores of Seoul. There is a Bonespe bakery located in Cheonho, along Cheonho Rodeo, a popular drinking and eating street. With freshly baked pastries and breads, Bonespe offers a handful of delicious goodies to be purchased while you're shopping around for everything else. Furthermore, they offer packaged goodies that are extremely popular among Koreans to give as gifts and cakes to enjoy in a group setting.

It is one of the Korean favorites to bring home to enjoy with the family as well as a quick bite while shopping. The best part is the sale price that Lotte Department stores offer for their baked goodies. On average, pastries range from a little over a dollar to two, but they can be picked up as a lot for under a dollar. This is a deal considering breads and pastries are extremely popular in Korea, especially as a snack to share with co-workers. Like many other Korean bakeries, Bonespe offers the same kinds of pastries, but of course with their own twist as well. Be sure to pick up a freshly baked pastry to enjoy with your family or to refuel for a day of shopping!

Bottoms Up - Cafe Organic

Cafe Organic, a two floor location in Hongdae is one of the recommended places to go to for all things organic. Being that there are so many coffee shops and different places that offer food and snacks, it's difficult to find those that are green and healthy. Cafe Organic offers something different by having organic coffee beans, teas and fresh juices. 

Being that they are using all things organic, the price of Cafe Organic is not like many other coffee shops that can average at $5 a drink. Cafe Organic averages $7 a drink, but service is extremely efficient. It is a recommended location if you are looking for a relaxing, open area to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae and a relaxing seating area. 

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Organic will be on the corner on your right. 

Address: 마포구 서교동 339-1
339-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Phone: 02-332-4650

Restaurant Review - Japanese Kitchen 미카

Japanese Kitchen is a small cozy restaurant located in Sinsa behind the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil that is stirring up a lot of tasty Japanese dishes that range from udon noodles to curry dishes. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating that allows for guest to enjoy a cherry blossomed theme view with an interior that is based around a cherry blossom tree. The concept is extremely traditional, but offers a more modern and classic look. 

Japanese Kitchen serves a food menu up until 5pm where they switch over to a Hof-like location, serving dishes with their wide selection of sake bottles and Japanese beers. Being that it switches over to a Hof, you must order a small dish to consume. Dishes are rather pricey, ranging from $15 to $30, but it also has to do with location. Although it is a bit more expensive, their fried chicken is actually an amazing side dish to enjoy with your drinks. Fried crispy and topped with a sweet and salty soy sauce, it is an amazing combination. 

The one recommendation for Japanese Kitchen is to go during their regular lunch hours for authentic Japanese food. Going later in the night is perfect if you are looking to enjoy a drink with a group of friends. 

Directions to Japanese Kitchen: Directions: Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Take a left and a right at the following block to walk parallel to the Garosu-gil shopping street. Go straight to the very end and you will see Japanese Kitchen at the four way intersection in front of you. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Cafe Etonne

Cafe Etonne, located in Hongdae, is probably one of the cheapest places to get amazing desserts that actually caters around presentation. In Korea, presentation of food is extremely important, but with that comes a big price> Cafe Etonne offers desserts that are appealing to the eye without splurging on the wallet. They are pretty on point with taste and they try to whip up desserts and drinks that are unique to the menu.

Of course, Cafe Etonne offers the regular desserts of cake slices, tarts, macarons and all, but the one thing that definitely stands out on the menu is their bing su, shaved ice. They are the only place by far that offers a Sangria Bing Su which is infused with a ton of fresh fruits, piles of ice, drowned in red wine and topped with a ball of ice cream. The only weird thing to this dessert is the chunks of cottage cheese. Koreans have something for cheese that is just explainable, but it is easy to remove and enjoyed. Better yet, tell them to take out the cheese which saves you the trouble of picking!

Cafe Etonne is definitely one place recommended for a date setting as well as girl time. They have a spacious open area with a variety of seating and open windows for you to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae. This is one place you do want to visit for cheap desserts in Seoul, Korea.  

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Etonne will be on the left upstairs from one of the shopping stores with an entrance at the corner.

Address: 344-14 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Telephone: 070-7583-6432

Restaurant Review - Burger Joint New York

Burger Joint New York chases the dreams of a perfected burger, fries, and a drink New York style.  Bringing the location from the original in New York, the restaurant is located in Hongdae off of the main party streets on the second floor, Burger Joint New York is the place to go for a simple set meal. The concept is simple where you tell DON'T want on your burger. Yes, tell them the things you do not want to include which makes life a lot easier. Just goes to show the amazing service that goes into each and every burger. 

With an extremely simple menu, which is recommended for most burgers anyway, making an order is extremely easy. Because they are cooking up their burgers fresh, it can take a while if there is a line. For the most part, Burger Joint New York is extremely popular with the locals as well as the foreigners. It is one of the very few restaurants that offer Dr Pepper which is a must have for many. This hip hop themed restaurant is a place for foreigners to feel comfortable with staff that speaks a good amount of English, making you feel like you are at home. 

Directions: Take exit 9 of the Hongik University station stop on the green line 2. Go straight until the light and take a left after you cross the street. Go straight until you pass the Taco Bell on your right. After the Tony Moly on your right and before the light, take the street on the right going up. Go straight and before you reach the intersection, Burger Joint New York will be on your left in a hidden alley by the Watson's drug store. Be sure to look carefully because you can miss this second floor restaurant with a black exterior. 

Address: 358-51 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울 마포구 서교동 358-51

Phone: 02-324-8999

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Duex Amis

Duex Amis is the one place behind the Garosu-gil shopping area to rave about for layered creme cakes. Cakes served at Duex Amis are topped alternate between cake and creme topped with a mini macaron for your pleasure. There is quite the number of cakes and pies to choose from, but you definitely can't go wrong with their signature Salted Caramel which is a layer between chocolate and caramel. For those who are looking for something fruity, their Strawberry Tiramisu is also a hit.

Duex Amis has open seating which is perfect for the spring and summer seasons. They have a center piece of fresh flowers daily which definitely sets the girly mood and is the perfect place to hang around to give you that bubbly feeing. It is the perfect down time location when in the area for some shopping damage. Because it is located in the back street, you are away from all the noise and busy areas which makes it that much more enjoyable. 

Cakes at Duex Amis are extremely moist in taste and layered perfectly that makes it hard to resist. With cakes by the slice ready to order, making a selection may be difficult. If you're looking to grab a whole cake to go, they also have the option in the store which allows for you to bring home the goodies. 

Directions to Duex Amis: Directions: Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Take a left and a right at the following block to walk parallel to the Garosu-gil shopping street. Go straight and you will see Duex Amis on your right within the same block.

Phone: 02-3443-0030 

Address: 539-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong

서울 강남구 신사동539-9

Hidden Treasures - ONE CHU

ONE CHU is a small modern looking spot in Sinsa behind the streets of Garosu-gil that is serving a  creative churro with their coffees. Koreans sure love their coffee, but it's always the same baked goods over and over again. ONE CHU is a place that whips up fresh churros when ordered topped with all things amazing.

ONE CHU offers different flavorings for the churros they fry up, the best one may be having ice cream paired with your churros. Regardless of what flavor you choose, whether it be sweet or plain, it is the one place that guarantees freshly hot churros. They are definitely authentic to taste and not just the quick sprinkle of cinammon on top since they serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.

The drink menu varies from coffee to juices to alcoholic beverages. Their fresh sangria is one well-recognized thing on the menu that a lot rave about. The environment is extremely classy and spacious, allows for a great date setting and meeting for chit chat. They have a small outdoor patio that guests can sit, just a short walk from the main shopping street. Drinks and churros will set you back roughly $10.

ONE CHU Address: 서울시 강남구 신사동 551-1
Sinsa-Dong 551-1 Gangnam-Gu Seoul, Korea 135-890
Phone: 02-516-3202
Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-11pm

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Dilly*Dally

Dilly*Dally is one of the cutest bakeries in Korea with three franchises in the area offering all things cute and sweet. Dilly*Dally breaks from the traditional names of pastries by offering a special thing called The Ugly Veggie, making food fun. The pastries are extremely cute, fun, and delicious in taste. It is the cutest place to bond with girl time or even on a date for yummy pastries, baked goodies, and drinks.

Dilly*Dally offers a brunch menu for you to enjoy actual food if you are not looking to sample their variety of baked goodies (breads, pastries, cupcakes, croissants, cakes, and so much more). They also offer the popular Shaved Ice (patbingsoo) that can be shared between two. With a variety of things on menu, it is the perfect place to go at all hours of the day with a variety of guests. It has been seen that some Koreans even have speed dating at certain facilities of Dilly Dally which definitely makes the experience that much more amazing.

For the Bundang branch: From Jeongja Station exit 4 on the yellow Bundang Line. Take a left at Woori Bank and a right at Waffle Bant. Go straight and you will see the Bundang branch on the corner to your right. Phone: 031-719-0994

For the Sinchon branch: Take exit 2 from the station. Phone: 02-335-0114

The Gangnam branch address: 서울 강남구 논현동 49-17 Seoul, Gangnam-gu, NonHyeon-dong 49-17 Phone:  02-598-7571

Restaurant Review - Ippudo

Ippudo is a famous Japanese ramen chain all across the world and there is a few in Seoul. Being that ramen is a popular Korean eat because everyone loves it, young and old, finding the perfect ramen paired with amazing pork was a must. Being that I have not been able to sample the one in New York, getting it in Korea is a must.

The one amazing appetizer that is a must order is the pork bun. Although Japanese food is not known for their pork buns, it has become a staple with all ramen restaurants to have pork buns. This is a definite necessity in all restaurants in general! A thick slice of pork meat is served with lettuce and a mayonnaise sauce folded in a steamed plain bun. The pork meat is marinated to perfection with a saucy drizzle and tender meat that it just slides off with a bite. 

Ippudo stands up to their name for ramen because it offers something that is basic, but tasty. The only problem is some ramen dishes can be too tasty (not in a good way). The soup can be a bit too salty for those who are not used to the blast of flavor, but for the most part, the ramen and pork is on point. The ramen menu is extremely basic and priced at $9, but additional meats and vegetables can be added to provide a more appealing bowl of ramen. For the most part, ramen should always be basic and simple so all the additions are just not needed unless you have the stomach for it!

Address in Sinsa Dong: 강남구 신사동 645번지
Phone: 02-512-2644

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Duex Cremes

Deux Cremes has got to be the place for anyone looking for a good creme pie layered with cake and a flaky, crispy crust. Their Green Velvet Pie is made of a green tea creme with a vanilla cake on top of a chocolate brownie-like base that is all baked up on the most flaky crust ever. It is the perfect blend of everything that you need in one bite. topped with chocolate and fused with a soft cookie inside. Their Grapefruit Ade is also an extremely refreshing drink that is on the healthier side made with real grapefruits, freshly squeezed and whipped up. 

With two floors to the cafe that is based around a relaxing atmosphere that caters to couples and girl time, Deux Cremes is the place to go for a chat. Seating is extremely spacious with open windows to people watch and see the quieter back alleys of Garosu-gil. Goodies average at $7 a piece, but the pies are definitely worth the splurge. With a more modern touch to the cafe, finding the bathroom might be a little tricky, but it allows for a more creative touch. Sliding doors that are concealed leads you to a bathroom that actually is an upgrade with bidet toilet seats. 

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street and it will be on your right about four blocks down after the 7/11 further back from the street with black stairs going up.

Address: Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong 533-11 

서울 강남구 신사동 533-11

Phone: 02-545-7931

Hidden Treasures - Pain de Papa

Pain de Papa "the bread your father made for you" is one of the most established French bakeries in Seoul and is recognized for being different and better than the rest. Using wild (natural) yeast which can take up to five times longer than the traditional ways leaves you with fluffy and moist breads that have a hint of sourdough flavors. Topped with a handful of different vegetables and flavors, it is definitely something to die for. The freshly baked bread is so fluffy in texture that you just cant help but to keep biting into it. There are a variety of breads that cater to the French menu, perfect for making sandwiches with.

In addition to the amazing breads and pastries the, they offer freshly baked pretzels that owner Lee Ho Young bakes up, he also incorporates American tastes with pretzels and cookies. The one special thing in the bakery to pick up is their rusk which is a twice-baked bread. This established and unique pastry involves taking chunks of dough mixing it with sweet potato and dried fruits, a second oven topping the pastry with butter gives it a crunch. It is then rolled in powdered sugar and costs less than $2 a ball. 

Although the bakery is small in size, there is a small seating area for you to enjoy your baked goodies as well as a few magazines to read to kill some time. As service with your bread, they offer olive oil to be drizzled or dipped with. Be sure to get there early if you are looking to sample a good portion of their menu. Opened from 9AM to 9PM from Mondays to Saturdays, it is located a straight walk from exit 5 of the Apugjeong station on line 3. Walk straight for about 6 blocks and take a left at the intersection. Pain de Papa is located on your left with a small parking lot in front of their yellow bannered building. 

Address: 548-5 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu

서울 강남구 신사동 548-5

Phone: 02-543-5232

Hidden Treasures - When Pigs Fly

When Pigs Fly is a new Italian restaurant that opened in the Nambu area offering a twist to traditional restaurants. The concept is simple, amazing food paired with music. When Pigs Fly cooks up the basic Italian dishes which includes salad, pastas, and of course pizzas. They incorporate a mix of different pasta noodles, and ingredients to each dish that they make, offering something different each time. 

Although the salads and pastas are more on the cliche and common types that you can find anywhere, their pizzas are over the top. They incorporate ingredients that makes their pizza stand out. For starters, there is no one who tops a pizza with and over easy cooked egg or with actual pieces of shrimp. When Pigs Fly definitely blows the fish out of the water with this concept. 

Another great thing about the restaurant is that they stray away from skimping guests on their food. A lot of restaurants that uses seafood in their dishes use the smaller portions, smaller sizes. When Pigs Fly actually goes for the gold with meatier pieces and chunks that you can taste when biting into. There is a full blast of flavor and the choose to keep it that way. 

In addition to fresh ingredients and great food, they offer wine and special events that allows for their private room to be utilized. The facility can be rented out where they cater to small parties. The one thing that When Pigs Fly offers that other restaurants do not is a special event of music held twice a month. Their "Salon Concert" theme is used to create a new type of environment that people are not able to experience on the regular. They theme the night around two dinner sessions used to promote music of Korean performers in the area that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

The concept is simple: an hour or so of music that allows for you to "set the mood" for a special night or just to enjoy as a luxury hobby. Followed by that is a dinner of a set menu that the restaurant offers and stirs up fresh. There is nothing better than being able to enjoy a live performance in a romantic setting with a menu of Italian goodies. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to make reservations for these events because they do go fast since it is just priced at $49 a person. The service there is amazing, with a manager that speaks English, catering to the foreign community, encouraging all guests to attend and enjoy their facility. 

Address: Seoul Seocho-gu Seocho 3 Dong, 1446-11 Hyundai Superville 101
서울 서초구 서초3동 1446-11 현대 슈퍼빌101호
Phone: 02-523-5277

Daily Refreshments - Brick Pop

Brick Pop, located inside the Shinsegae department store of the Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam is the a unique stand that is stirring up things for summer. The reason for this is that Brick Pop is infusing all things flavorful and ice to give you a refreshing treat for a hot summer day. On average, brick pops are about $4 with a full blast of flavor, everything wonderful on a stick.  Although it seems to be a little pricey, it is definitely worth the splurge for the ice pop. They are constantly changing their menu options, offering pops that cater to the season and the fresh fruits and seasonal goodies. They even offer specials when you purchase a large amount of pops which makes it easy to share with others, or not. Because it's just that amazing, sharing might not even be on the option's list, totally understandable!

Take exit 8 of the Express Bus Terminal station that intersects with the line 3, 7, and 9 towards the Shinsegae mall. Take the escalators downstairs to the basement and explore all the other food options before you make your way over to Brick Pop for dessert. If you're looking to take out, they have ice packs that they can package for you, keep the pops frozen for up to 30 minutes. 

Address: 19-3 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul

서울특변시 서초구 신반포로 176

Restaurant Review - The Joe

The Joe in Hongdae is definitely not the place to rave for their burgers, but the menu is extremely cheap. Because the patties are frozen and not the best patties are used, the burgers from the Joe is just something to fill a stomach. The one thing that is special about The Joe is their tangy sweet and sour sauce that they layer the burger with. It is definitely something that takes it up a notch. Their fries, on the other hand, is something that is worth making the splurge on. There is a small number of restaurants that actually use nacho cheese on their fries and that is why the freshly battered and nacho cheese melted fries is to die for. Nonetheless, it is the place to go for a quick bite to satisfy any stomach of a club goer and partying in the busy streets of Hongdae. 

For anyone looking to sample The Joe and review it for yourself, take exit 9 of the Hongik University station on the green line 2. Make a left when you exit the station to the first street you see. Take a right at the first intersection and go straight to the corner. The Joe will be on your left before you reach the corner of Taco Bell. 

Restaurant Review - Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨

Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is a Korean fusion chicken spot that is dispersed across Seoul. The restaurant offers something new to chicken lovers that break from the traditional Korean norm of chicken and beer. Chir Chir Chicken not only has amazing boneless chicken, but they top it with sliced almonds, Korean rice cakes and an amazing sauce of course. There are also chunks of fried sweet potato which is a Korean staple and nonetheless, a good combo as well. This Korean fusion breaks away from using potatoes and fries, but it is still nom-alicious. 

In addition to their popular saucy boneless chickens, they also offer fried chicken that is paired with a simple salad. Basic, but over the top for someone who loves chicken, but can't splurge on the extra calories. A bed of fresh salad always does the trick! It may make you feel less guilty about the extra calories from the amazing sauce, but be careful of the dressing. Because it is so delicious, you may consume a lot more than you plan to. 

Touching on the topic of chicken and beer. Chir Chir chicken definitely offers beer with their menu options because it is the most popular thing, but they offer something that many chicken places do not and that is American alcoholic beverages. Served in pitcher sizes, their refreshing drinks makes any chicken explosive. 

Being that Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is extremely popular for those who are drinkers, there are a few locations across Seoul, including two in the Hongdae area down the alley of fun. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bloom and Goute 블룸 앤 구떼

The concept of Bloom and Goute is a café centered around flowers. It is one of the most famous cafes in Sinsa for a luxurious meal, drinks, and a selection of desserts to enjoy. Bloom and Goute is the one cafe that serves baked goodies, coffee and many other drinks with the amazing aroma of fresh flowers. Bloom and Goute breaks from the traditional coffee shops that center around coffee as a theme. They offer fresh flowers as a view and use them as a center piece for each table. The theme is centered around a garden layout with wired metal bench seating and open windows to enjoy the outside view. 

It is also a place to enjoy food with a simple brunch menu that brings in guests of all kinds. The most common of course, is their drinks and dessert options. Drinks and desserts at Bloom and Goute are a bit pricier than other locations, with an average of $8 a drink, desserts at $6 and special desserts costing over $10 a plate. The café also serves foods for brunch and snacks that can be ordered, but most guests attend for the enjoyment of fully bloomed flowers and their drink selection. 

Because the café is small in location, seating is for an average of two or three guests which usually revolves around couples or a girl’s brunch, tea time. Bloom and Goute may be hard to find since it off of the main street of Garosugil, but it is worth visiting for their outdoor concept indoors. They are recognized for their strawberry cheesecake, but it is nothing like what we are used to in New York. The strawberry cheesecake is made with berries inside the cheesecake which is different, but still good.

The cakes and pastries take a different take on the more traditional tastes by incorporating a variety of flavors as well as infusions. Although it is not the perfect blend of taste and combinations, their drinks are on point. Bloom and Goute serves a strong full-on flavor of teas and coffees that are over the top and worth the splurge. 

Located between the Apgujeong and Sinsa station on the orange line 3, Bloom and Goute is in the hidden back street of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. It is extremely easy to miss the store because it is deep inside a back street that is hidden by many other stores. The easiest way to get here will be from the Apgujeon station exit 5, straight four blocks and take a left into the back street. After three intersections, Bloom and Goute will be in the middle of the following block on the right.

Address: 545-24 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul
서울 신사동 강남구 545-24 
Phone: 02-545-6659